Colombo Trip Overview
Polonnaruwa is Sri Lanka’s medieval capital (11th – 12th Century AD) which is a well-preserved city of ancient dagobas, moonstones, beautiful parks, massive buildings and stunningly beautiful statues. The majestic King’s Council Chamber, the Lotus Bath, the Lanka Thilaka Viharaya, the Gal Viharaya (rock temple) and the statue of one of Polonnaruwa’s great kings, Parakramabahu, are a few of this capital’s memorable sights. The Sea of Parakrama – a vast 12th century man-made reservoir dominates the city. Although it is nearly 1000 years old, it is much younger than Anuradhapura, and in much better repair. Moreover, the monuments here are located in a more compact area, and their development is easier to follow.
• Hassle free transportation
• Accompanied by an expert guide
• Discover the ruined city of Polonnaruwa
Additional Info
Duration: 12 to 13 hours
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
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What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Polonnaruwa is Sri Lanka’s medieval capital (11th – 12th Century AD) which is a well-preserved city of ancient dagobas, moonstones, beautiful parks, massive buildings and stunningly beautiful statues. The majestic King’s Council Chamber, the Lotus Bath, the Lanka Thilaka Viharaya, the Gal Viharaya (rock temple) and the statue of one of Polonnaruwa’s great kings, Parakramabahu, are a few of this capital’s memorable sights. The Sea of Parakrama – a vast 12th century man-made reservoir dominates the city. Although it is nearly 1000 years old, it is much younger than Anuradhapura, and in much better repair. Moreover, the monuments here are located in a more compact area, and their development is easier to follow.
• Hassle free transportation
• Accompanied by an expert guide
• Discover the ruined city of Polonnaruwa
Stop At: Polonnaruwa Vatadage, Sacred City, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
This round relic house is one of the oldest monuments in Polonnaruwa and also contains superb carvings. However, there were later additions like the florid makara balustrade. There are two circular terraces, one above the other with upper one having four entrances. The guardstones at the base of the steps leading to these show exceptional stonework. The four sets of steps lead to four statues of the seated Buddha in the dagoba. Unfortunately, the roof and most of the central dagoba is missing, but you can see what it must have looked like from a detailed scale model in the new museum.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Weijantha Prasada, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
This was Parakramabahu’s great palace, a massive structure measuring 31m by 13m, with 3m thick walls. Nothing remains of its seven stories now but the massive walls show the spaces which received the floor beams for at least two more floors. It is possible that the remaining floors were made of wood and perished long ago. Once, the roof or ceiling of the main hall of 50 interconnected rooms, was supported by 30 columns.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Thuparama, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
The Thuparamaya is one of the best preserved image houses and one of the best examples of a gedige,a uniquely Singhalese architectural style which reached its height at Polonnaruwa. Though the smallest, it is the only gedige in Polonnaruwa still covered by its roof. The brick walls were extremely thick and barrel vaulted and adorned with stucco figures right round. Even the roof was domed and trussed and the strong Hindu influence can be seen clearly. Inside there are still several Buddha statues in place.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Sathmahal Prasada, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
Archaeologists are puzzled by this building, influenced by obviously oriental architecture, probably Cambodian. Six storeys rise one above the other like a stepped pyramid. A niche in each face of the floors once held figures of which now only remnants remain. The topmost storey is missing.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Gal-Potha Stone Book, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
Just east of the Hatadage is a gigantic ‘book’ hewn out of rock. The 9m long slab has inscriptions recording the virtues and deeds of King Nissanka Malla, including the information that part of the Mihintale mountain is now missing as this 25 tonne hillside was dragged 100 km from there, expressly for the purpose. Usually this kind of writing was done on traditional ola leaf manuscripts, but the conceited king wanted to ensure that his virtues would not be forgotten.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Samudra Parakrama, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
Parakramabahu was famous as a guardian of Buddhism and for developing irrigation, but his greatest feat was the construction of a reservoir covering more than 2400 hectares. It is so vast that it was named Parakrama Samudra, which means Sea of Parakrama. The rainwater that collected was drained away by 11 channels which supplied a network of irrigation canals and minor tanks. This great king had also restored 53 tanks in order to increase the supply of rice for his people.
Duration: 45 minutes
